As you get older, our bodies can get a little worn and torn — however, there are several lifestyle changes you can make to help delay or even dramatically reduce the chances of developing health issues as you age. Making a conscious effort to take care of your body, mind and overall wellness can go a long way even if it seems inconsequential now.
Below are several tips that may be helpful to those who are approaching 50 and want to maintain their health and fitness, while avoiding taking medications or supplements to do so.
Don’t be afraid to consult your physician before beginning any serious changes to your daily regimen, as this could be dangerous if not done properly or with a pre-existing condition.
Exercise Everyday
The biggest challenge as you get older is not only finding the time to exercise but the motivation to as well.
The key here is to find balance in your schedule and dedicate an hour a day to some sort of physical activity. This could range from a walk around the block to a hard workout at the gym. This all depends on your level of physical fitness and how far you’re willing to push yourself. Buying a fitness tracker can be a great way to keep yourself on track and measure your daily movement.
Set goals for yourself and try to reach them, and gradually increase the intensity and/or duration of your workout to improve your endurance.
Nutrition is Important
Cardiovascular disease has become a major concern for men and women in their 50s, meaning that monitoring your daily intake of salt, cholesterol, and sugar is important.
For the best results, make sure you are getting a balance of leafy greens, whole grains, poultry, and fruits. Limit the amount of red meat you consume, while also monitoring your intake of any alcoholic beverages. Drink plenty of water, and substitute coffee for green tea.
Try to prevent any acid reflux from spicy foods or anything else that may upset your digestive tract. A fiber-rich diet can do wonders for your overall health as you age as well.
Take Care of Your Skin
Approaching your 50s can result in many bodily changes, both internally and externally.
One alteration that is often overlooked is the hormonal imbalance that can occur as you age. Because of this, you may see signs of aging and even adult acne. It can be difficult dealing with the aging process, but there are several ways to help.
The first step is to get plenty of sleep, at least 8 hours every night. You also want to drink plenty of water to keep skin hydrated and healthy. It also may be a good idea to buy a product with an anti-aging formula to help smooth fine lines and restore vitality.
Limiting sun exposure will help prevent wrinkles and sun spots as well.
Don’t Forget Self-Care
As you get older, you may feel the need to put the needs of your family and those close to you before your own. It’s important to realize that your physical and mental health always come first.
Keep your mind energized and on-task every day is key to avoiding long-term psychological issues. Don’t be afraid to pick up a new hobby to keep yourself busy, such as knitting, doing jigsaw puzzles or painting. All three of these activities will improve mental strength and maintain key brain functionality.
Even yoga or swimming can help keep your mind focused on one activity and improve motor skills.